Laughter can increase pain tolerance

A hearty laugh can not only make people feel better, but it also may be able to reduce chronic pain. According to a research team from Switzerland, who presented their findings at The European Pain Federation Congress last week, laughter can increase a person’s pain threshold and improve their quality of life.

The team conducted an experiment where people watched a funny film while holding their hands in ice water. Results showed that people who laughed could withstand the icy temperature longer than viewers who were not amused. The increased tolerance for pain lasted for 20 minutes after laughing. Researchers suspect laughter can help with pain because it releases endorphins and eases muscle tension. But faking it doesn’t count. It needs to be a real, hearty laugh for the benefits to take effect.

In the future, one researcher noted this information may be applied to treating chronic pain.

Some suffer from online hypochondria

Search engines can lead people down a path of paranoia, according to a study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking. In fact, researchers have coined the term “cyberchondria” to describe anxiety suffered by people as they search for medical information online. This form of online hypochondria develops as uncertainty worsens fears and those fears are fed as a person reads more and more of the potential impacts to their health.

In the study, 512 people assessed how online searches affect their anxiety levels by answering a questionnaire. The more uncomfortable someone is with uncertainty led to a higher amount of anxiety while perusing medical information online. And it’s not just the potential diagnosis some people are worried about. The study noted that others go as far as stressing over possible medical bills, disability, and job loss.

While it’s a good idea to read up on health concerns you may have, it’s always best to ensure the information is from a valid source and to also talk to a health care professional.

Vitamin D supplements "no help" to healthy

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and muscles, due to its ability to help the body effectively absorb calcium. But a new study from New Zealand found that vitamin D supplements may have no beneficial effect for healthy adults.

Researchers from the University of Auckland conducted a meta-analysis of 23 studies involving more than 4,000 people to examine the effects of vitamin D supplements on bone mineral density. The supplements were taken for about two years by healthy adults.

But the study found that vitamin D supplements are not an effective way to prevent osteoporosis.

The findings do not apply to everyone, however; researchers said that elderly individuals should take vitamin D supplements in addition to dietary calcium as an effective method to prevent fractures stemming from low bone density.

People who are advised to take vitamin D supplements should not take more than 25 micrograms per day, experts said, as taking too much may lead to a build-up of calcium and damage the kidneys.

The majority of people should aim to absorb vitamin D naturally, through sunshine and foods such as oily fish, eggs and certain breakfast cereals.